Oxford student who was spared jail after stabbing her boyfriend with a bread knife 'could return to university'

An Oxford medical student who stabbed her boyfriend with a bread knife but escaped a prison sentence may be allowed to return to university, it has emerged.

Christ Church college, Oxford, has agreed that Lavinia Woodward can suspend her studies for 18 months.

Although the student, now 24, knifed her boyfriend during a drink and drug-fuelled attack, the judge found that she was "an extraordinarily able young lady" and ruled not to send her to prison.

After Miss Woodward's conviction for unlawful wounding, for which she was given a 10-month sentence suspended for 18 months, Oxford originally planned to hold a swift inquiry which could have seen her expelled.

The fact she has suspended her studies means a staff panel will only be able to consider whether she should be expelled once she states her desire to return.

Martyn Percy, dean of Christ Church, told the Standard: “We note that Lavinia Woodward has been given a suspended sentence as a result of her conviction for unlawful wounding earlier this year.

“As a College we are concerned for the welfare of all our students, and it is clearly a matter of regret and sadness when any young person blights a promising career by committing a crime.

“Ms Woodward is not currently studying at Oxford, having voluntarily suspended her medical studies.

“The question of her future will now be decided by the University, which has procedures in place where a student is the subject of a criminal conviction.”

Oxford University said it could not comment at this time.

Lawyers for Miss Woodward said: "The disciplinary process at Oxford is for the proctors ... In due course that process will no doubt be concluded."